Newsletter: 28/11/2013

Office News

We have begun switching customers over to an automatic overnight Fastbase software update. This feature helps keep your system up to date and removes the need for manual software updates which sometimes can be disruptive. If we haven't done this for you already, expect to be called soon by Roland to arrange the change.

We also want to start helping customers install the latest version of the Tcl software on workstations. There will be no cost for this. Getting you onto the latest version of Tcl will help us improve the Fastbase software.

This afternoon we're having our Fastbase Christmas function which this year consists of ten-pin bowling. Mini-golf was the original idea but the sky is too wet. So the office will be unattended from midday, give me a call on 021 636 876 in case of emergencies.

Russell Bell

Quoting for items that aren't recorded as parts in Fastbase

Fastbase allows you to create a quote for items that aren't currently recorded as parts in Fastbase. You do this using "non-stock" parts. However until now you were unable to enter a cost for such parts, not until you convert the quote to an order.

The unit cost of a non-stock item can now be entered on a customer quote. You will notice a new field, "Unit Cost" when entering a non-stock item on a customer quote.

Stream-lined entry of new part assembly transactions

If you use part assemblies you'll be aware that entering multiple new assembly transactions can be slow. Each time you save a completed assembly transaction, Fastbase returns you to the previous screen. We've improved this, now new part assemblies can be entered continuously without the need to press the "New" button. When you save a new assembly a new entry form will open automatically, until you cancel out of it.

This makes the entry of large numbers of new part assemblies more efficient.

Sorting of customer notes on the appointments screen

The appointments screen shows a list of customer notes assigned to a particular user. To access the appointments screen you click on the calendar on the main screen.

We have improved the sort-order of customer names and details in the list of appointments - this was case-sensitive when it shouldn't have been. When sorting the list by clicking on the respective column header, the values will now be displayed in correct dictionary order.

Maintaining a customer note - "Complete" button save and exit

Pressing the "Complete" button on a note will now save the note and exit back to the list of notes. This is a little more intuitive and relieves you from having to perform the additional step of pressing the "Save" button.

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28/11/2013 Office News, Quoting for items that aren't recorded as parts in Fastbase, Stream-lined entry of new part assembly transactions, Sorting of customer notes on the appointments screen, Maintaining a customer note - "Complete" button save and exit